Clothes wringer



July 30, 1940. s. E. scHRol-:DER

CLOTHES WRINGER Filed DEG. 13, 1935 l l1 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q @vs wwd MOH! Q 5./ m @QH 3W mm. o m. am. o bs. nml .5mm R, am# 0 E um# snm MNH u mm. m uw 25.5%. HN ad' mi wm. O bm. @ma ma, uw m1 MHITIN No mw s@ www@ ITQH IN fm: 4%

1i Sheets-sheet 2 s. E. scHRoEDER CLOTHES WRINGR Filed nec. 1:5. 193s July 3o, 1940;l`

July 30, 1940. s. E. scHRoEDER CLOTHES wRINGER 1i sheets-sheet s Filed Dee. 1s, 19:55

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July 30, 1940. s. E. scHRoDx-:R

CLOTHES WRINGER Filed nec. 1,3," .1935

1l Sheets-Sheet 4 July 30 1940 s. E. SCHRQEDER 2,209,422

CLOTHES wRINGER Filed Dec. l5, 1935 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 e .HC42

CLOTHES WRINGER Filed Dec. 1:5, 1935 S. E. SCHROEDER yJuly so, 1940.-

July 30, 1940- s. E. scHRox-:DER 2,209,422

v CLOTHES WRINGER Filed nec. 1s, 1935' `11 sheets-sheet 'r July 30, 1.940. Y s. E. scHRoEDER 1l Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec lllllll lill!! lll/IA lll IIllll!Ifli4lIlllllflllllfllllllfllllllllllflllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lll!!! i M Wvvvvvvvvvv/ July 30, 1940 s. s-cHRoEDl-:R

CLOTHES WRINGER Filed nec. 13, 1935 l1 Sheets-Sheet 9 bs um. m. ma, AUI mm. mm .Nq N bh. bm.. mn. Ni NQ S.. o @n S b S .www h .we 5 ma R hw p wb m uw mv Q v MJ S. Sv ,my S. h* mm mb ms n@ 11 sheets-'sheet 1o y 512mm/ @Sc/voed@ B1/MQW@ CLOTHES WRINGER s. E. scHRoE-DER Filed Dec. 13, 1955 July so, 1940,

S. E. SCHROEDER CLOTHES WRINGER July 30, 1940.

Filed Deo. 13, 1935 ll Sheets-Sheet 1l h); u .I I

Patented July 30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE :cnam CLOTHES WBINGEB Application December 1a, 1935, serial Nc. 54,285

ZSClaims.

be accomplished with a minimum amount of- A more specific object of the invention is to l provide in a wringer having cooperating rolls operating under pressure and adapted to be released from pressure and separated when desired by the operator, especially in case of emergency, means automatically thrown into operation upon i6 removal of the pressurefor withdrawing or retracting one of said rolls from operative position to provide clearance for the other roll, thus eliminating the resistance ordinarily encountered in bringing the rolls back to operative position-and go reducipgtoaminimumtheefi'ortreqinredin resetting the wringer.

'Another obiectof the ,invention is to provide in a wringer, as set forth in the preceding paragraph, means actuated through movement of the g usual lever for controlling the starting and stopping of the wringer for returning the retracted rollito cooperative position with respect to the other roll. 1

A still further object of the invention is to provideinawringeroftherolltype. having theroils thereof held to the wort under yieldingpressure. manually! actuated means for starting the opera.- tion of the wringer and simultaneouslyadvancing one of the rollstoward the' other to bring said u rolls in pressure-exerting relation. v

AYet another object of the invention is to provide a power-driven wringer comprising rolls operating under yielding pressure and-arranged to be released from operative presagire-exerting relationwithrespecttoeachother when theoccasion arises, wherein the power is automatically disconnected when the rolls are relieved from pressure, thereby stopping' Aoperation of the wringer rolls.

A further obiect of the inventionis .to provide in a power-driven wringer of the pressure roll type, having shiftabie control lever means for operating a shiftable clutch means for connecting and Adisconnecting the power to start and stop ontarien or the reus, means normally held in inoperative condition by thepressure reacting between said rolls, which is automatically thrown into operation upon removal of said pressure to shift the control lever means to disengage said clutch means and stop rotation of the wringer rolls.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wringer of the power-driven roll type of simple and rugged design. wherein substantially the entire main frame structure is in the form of a cantilever beam, Awhich supports the whole wringer mechanism and thoroughly braces the frame structure.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly lo appear from the description and claims hereinafter following.

In the drawings. forming a, part of this speciiication.

Fig. l is a. vertical sectional view of my improved i6 wringer, corresponding substantially to the line i-I of Fig. 2, certain parts being shown in elevation and others being broken away.

Fig. laisaviewsimilartoFig. 1.on an enlarged scale, showing the mechanism at the lower n central of said ligure, said mechanism being broigen away.

Fig. 1b is a vertical sectional view, corresponding substantially tothe line Ib-Ib f Fig. 1a.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, on an enu larged scale, corresponding substantially to the line 2-2 of Fig. l, said view being partly broken away.

Fig. 3a is a view similar to Fig. l, on an enlarged scale, showing the structure at the leftu hand end of said ligure.

'Fig 3bisa viewsimilartoFig. 1on anenlarged scale. showing the structure at the righthand end of said ilgure.

Figs. 4a and 4b are views respectively Asimilar u to Figs. 3a. and 3b, showing the parts in different positions and illustrating the wringer rolls as engaged vwithan article being passed through the wringer. V

Fig. isaviewsimiiartolilgihwiththe parts shown. in another pomtion. the wringer rolls being illustrated as released and the bottom roll ot the wringer as returned to its lowered position.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view. correspondingtothelineI-lofli'ig.4b. l a

Fig. 7 is a detailed perspective'view of certain lever mechanism shown in Figs. 1, 3b. 4b, 5, and 6. l

Fig. 8 is a broken planview of a portion of acertainchannelbeammemberformingapart w of the frame structure of my improved wringer.

Fig. 9 is a broken elevational view ot a certain slide member or bar for anchoring the top roll of the wringer to the spring-tensioning means for pressing the rolls together. u

Fig. is a vertical sectional view. corresponding substantially to the line |0|0 of Fig. 3b.

Fig. 11 is a broken view similar to Fig. 10, showing the parts in a different position.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11. showing the parts in still another position.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the upper portion only of the wringer, the front wall of the top frame being entirely omitted in this view to clearly disclose the locking and releasing mechanism for the top frame of the wringer.

Fig. 14 is a broken view similar to Fig. 13, on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 15 is a horizontal sectional view, corresponding substantially to the line |5| 5 of Fig. l.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, showing the parts in a different position.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a certain slide member. which forms apart of the locking and releasing mechanism shown in Figs. 13 to 16 inclusive.

In said drawings, A indicates the main or bottom frame, B the top or auxiliary frame, and C and D respectively the top and bottom rolls ofA my improved wringer. The top and bottom rolls C and D are carried respectively by the top and bottom frames B and A in a manner hereinafter more fully described.

The main frame A comprises a channel beam member 20 and hollow upstanding posts 2| and 22 at opposite sides of the frame fixed to the channel beam member 2l. The channel beam member 2|! is in the form of a heavy sheet metal stamping open at the bottom and having a horizontally disposed top wall 23. spaced vertical front and rear walls v24 -24, and vertical side walls -25.

The posts 2| and 22 are also heavy sheet metal stampings. Each post has front and rear walls 26-26, an outer side wall 21, and an inner side wall 28. The front and rear walls 26-26 and the outer side wall 21 of each post at their lower ends overlap the front and rear walls 24-24 and the corresponding side wall 25 of the channel beam member. andare fixed thereto in any well known manner. The inner side wall 28 of each post is formed by laterally inwardly bent right angular sections ofthe front and rear walls 26-26. The construction of this inner side wall 28 is most clearly illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16.

As shown therein, the opposed vertical inner end edges of the two sections of said wall 28 are spacedapart to accommodate the shafts of the rolls C and D, as hereinafter more fully described. A guard plate 23 is secured to the inner side of each post 2| and 22. Each guard plate 23 has a continuous flange 88 extending along opposite side edges and the bottom end edge thereof. The

.flanges n n of the two gurd plates zs-zs embrace opposite sides of the top and bottom rolls C andD and the lower side of the roll- D, thereby directing the water inwardly to be received by a tilting drainboard 8l beneath the bottom roll D. A Each guard plate 28 is centrally slotted to accommodate the shafts of the vvringerv rolls C and D and has the opposite edg portions A of the body of the plate at said -slot bent into U form, as indicated at 32--82 in 15 and 16, and engaged over the innen edge portions of the sections of the wall 28 of the corresponding post.

The post 2|-, which forms the head of the main frame A, has an opening 33 in the outer sidewall 21 thereof, 'said opening being closed by aplatelike casting 8 8, whichserves as a bearing support for the controlling lever or handle member 35 of the wringer, as hereinafter more fully described. The top of the post 2| is partly closed by a supporting and bracing plate 36, which fits between the front and rear walls 26-26 of the post 2| and abuts the outer side wall 21. As' shown most clearly in Figs. l, 3b, 4b and 5, the f plate 36 is flanged upwardly, said flanged vportions being, `secured to the front and rear walls 26-26 and the outer side wall 21 in any well known manner. The plate 36 and the top wall 23 of the channel beam member 20 have aligned openings 31-31, which accommodate a vertically disposed tubular sleeve 38. The sleeve 38 snugly fits these openings, whichv are flanged outwardly, and is fixed to the plate 36 and the beam 20.respectively. A bearing bracket 39 is fixed to the left-hand side of the sleeve 38, as viewed in Figs. l, 3b, 4b, and 5. 'Ihis bracket 39, together with the sleeve 38, serves as means for housing the driving gearing for the wringer, hereinafter more fully described. The sleeve 88 projects downwardly beyond the beam 20 and is adapted to telescope over the upper end portion of the usual vertically arranged hollow standard of a washing machine having a vertically disposed shaft therein operatively connected to and rotated by the driving elements of the washing machine in a well known manner. Theshaft of the hollow standard extends upwardly beyond the standard and a considerable distance intoj the hollow tubular sleeve 38 and is coupled to, the gearing of the wringer by a splined or similar i connection. The top portion of such a shaft is` indicated by 40 in Figs. 1, 3b, 4b, and 5, and is;

connected to the gearing of my improved wringer, as hereinafter more fully described.

A pair of castings Htl- |40 are secured to the front and rear of the main frame A and serve as fixed drainboard members. 'I'he tilting drainboard 3| is provided to direct the water frein` beneath the bottom roll D to either of the fixed drainboards of the castings HIJ- 140. As shown in Figs. l and 2, the drainboard 3| is supported by pivots |42-I42 at opposite ends mounted on the inner side walls 28--28 of the posts 2| and 2.2. Means (not shown) is provided for tilting the drainboard 3| in the proper direction in accordance with the direction of rotation of the rolls C and D, but this mechanism does not form any part of the present invention and, therefore, needs no further description. In this connection, it is pointed out that the structure of the main or bottom frame A is of exceedingly rigid design, the channel beam member 20 at the 'bottom of said frame forming a cantilever beam.

' machine. I

The framel B'is preferably aheavy sheet metal stamping in the form of a channel member closed at opposite ends and open at the bottom. 4The frame B is telescoped over the upper ends of the posts 2| and .22 of the frame A, as most clearly shownin Figs. 1, 2, 6, and 10, and formsin' effect a cap clomngthe top of the wringer.. The framecarriesapairofdependingbearing struts lI-IL in whlchthe top roll C is-rotatably.

supported.

Themainframelialsocarriesspringtensi- -or yielding pressure means for' the roll C of the frame B. This spring tension or pressure means comprises a leaf spring l2 and connecting slide bm 0r plates v43--43 anchored toopp'osite ends of the leaf spring. The leaf spring 42 is disposed below the bottom roll D in the opening of the channel beam member 20, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 1a, and 2. The leaf spring 42 is relatively thick at the center and tapered toward its opposite ends, and is supported at the central portion thereof in a clip 44, which is adjustabiy mounted adjustable connection between "the p1ate141 and' the clip 44. As shown most clearly in Figs. l, la,

and 1b, the screwA 49 is headed at the upper end, said headed portion being anchored to the clip 44. The portion of the screw 43 which extends through the main body portion of the clip 44 is of angular cross section, thereby holding the 85 screw against turning with respect to the clip.

The nut 48, which has threaded engagement with F the screw 49, is enlarged at thelower end so as to provide a head which is shouldered on the plate 41. As will be evident, when the nut 48 is turned,

vl0 the clip 44 will be adjusted either upwardly or downwardly, depending upon the direction of rotation of the nut, thereby effecting corresponding adjustment of the leaf spring 42. The connecting slide bars 43-43 are located at opposite ends u of the leaf spring 42, as clearly shown in Fig. 1,l

and have hooked lower ends 55-50, which are engaged beneath the Vextremities of said leaf spring. Each connecting slide bar 43 is limited in its downward movement by .a set screw 51 0 threaded in the platelike section of a supporting bracket 52 xed to the inner sides of the front and rear walls 24-24 of the channel beam mem-- ber at the corresponding side of the wringer. The set screw 5|. engages the hooked end 58 of 4l the bar 43 and serves'as an adjustable stop or at both ends, has the upper end thereof laterally enlarged, as indicated at 54, to accommodate the engaging end portion of a locking bar hereinafter more fully described. The upper end of each connecting slide bar 43 is bent outwardly, as indicated at 55, said outwardly bent portion being located immediately above the slot of the bar 43. `The to'p wall of the widened portion 54 of the slot is inwardly beveled or inclined, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, and 5, to properly cooperate with the. end of the locking bar4 hereinbefore referred to. The connecting'slide bars 43-43 arey guided inV their movements by guide pin 56 for the connecting slide bar 43 at the righthand side of the wringer; as viewedy in Fig. 1, is fixed to the upstanding flange at the inner side of the plate of the post 2Iand is engaged within the slot 53 of the bar 43. The guide pin 55 of the connecting slide bar 43 at the left-hand side of .the wringer, as viewed in Fig. 1, is directly y secured to the outer side wall 21 of the post 22. Asclearly shown in the drawings, the guide pins 75 55-55 are headed so as to prevent-accidental distion of each strut 41 is cut away,

pins -56 fixed to'the'main frame A. The guide 1 engagement of thef connecting slide bar 43-43 therefrom. v

The top and bottom rolls C andD are of the usual rubber-surfaced type employed in `powerdriven wringers. Each roll is supported on a shaft fixed thereto, which rotatably mounts the roll. The shaft of the top roll C is indicated by 51 and the shaft of the bottom roll-D is indicated by 58. As clearly shown in Fig. 1, each roll shaftA projects from opposite ends of the roll and is engaged in suitable bearing elements. A clip, in the form of a plate' 153, is interposed between each guard plate 29 'and the corresponding ends of the rolls C and. D. Each plate 155 is provided with an opening 151 at the bottom portion thereof through winch the corresponding end of the shaft 58 of the roll D extends. The upper portion o f l each plate 15ilqis slotted, as indicated at152,'to

` accommodate the corresponding end of the shaft 51 of thetop roll C.. The slot 152-152 of the plates 155-155 are open at the upper ends of the 'plates to permit insertion of the shaft 51 of the roll `C and are of such a length as to permit vertical movement of the plates 1554155 with the roll D without interference by the shaft 51 of the roll C. The clips or plates 15| serve as abutments for -taking the end -thrust of the rolls C and D andhold. the rolls against endwise displacement. The opposite ends of the shaft 51 of the top roll C are rotatably supported in the struts 4I41 carried by the frame B. The struts 41;-41, which are in the form of castings,v are disposed within the opening of the frame B between the front and rear walls thereof. As shown most clearly in Fig. 1,. the ,struts 41-41 are mounted on the frame Bso that they are located at opposite ends of the top roll C and respectively occupy the space between the inner wall of the post 21 and the coiresponding connecting bar 43 and the space between the -inner wall of the post 22,and the corresponding connecting bar 4,3. Each strut 411s held against lateral displacement with respect to the frame A by oppositely projecting lugs 153-153 thereon, which bear on the front and rear walls 25-25 of this frame. At the upper ends, the struts 4,1--41 are held against lateral displacement with respect to the frame Bibyhorizontally arranged plates 154-154 fixed to said upper ends and having downwardly bent extremities bearing on the inner sides of the front and rear walls of' the frame B. Each strutv 41 has an opening between the top and bottom ends thereof, which is provided with a bearing bushing, rotatably receiving and supporting the corresponding end of the shaft 51 of the roll C. The bottom end por- 53 andas most clearly shown in Fig 6,. to provide yclearance for the shaftand bearing member of the bottom roll D. The cut-away portion 4I is preferably of inverted'y V shape, .but may be of any other suitableform so as to provide the proper clearance. The upper end portions of the bearing struts..41-4I, which are located within the hollow portion of the top frame B, are horizontally slotted, as indicated at 51-41, to form supporting guideways for locking or latch bars52-52 "indicated at v the guard and guide hook member 88 is formed on the plate |54, which is fixed to the strut, and includes a hook portion extending laterally from the strut and overhanging the upper end of the corresponding connecting slide bar 48. Each combined guard and guide hook member 63 has the plate portion |54 thereof overlying the slot 6| of the corresponding strut 4| and forming the top wall of the guideway for the locking bar 82.

`The combined guard and guide hook members 88-88 serve to properly align' the upper ends .of the connecting slide bars 48-48 with the locking bars 82--82 of the combined locking and latch means.

The combined locking andl latch means for locking the frame B to the frame A is mounted on the frame B and is arranged so as to provide for yquick and easy release thereof when desired by the operator, thereby effecting complete disengagement of the locking means and permitting lifting of the frame B vand the top roll C carried thereby and entire removal of these parts from the wringer. The operation of the combined latch and locking means, which includes the bars 82-82, is controlled by a manually-actuated hand piece or slide4 84 mounted in the frame B. As shown most clearly in Figs. 13 to 1'1 inclusive, the slide 84 is mounted for horizontal movement in guide openings or slots 8.5--88 provided in the front and rear walls respectively of the frame 13,l As shown in Figs. 2 and 15, thel openings 85--85 are flanged inwardly around their edges so'as to form ample guide surfaces. The slide 84 comprises a pair of hand pieces 88-88 at opposite sides thereof, a central longitudinally extending bar 81 parallel to the hand pieces 88-88, and transverse connecting plates 88.-88 and 88--88 at opposite ends thereof secured to the hand pieces 88-86 and the central bar 81. Each hand piece 86 is in the form of a-hollow channelshaped member' closed at opposite ends and open at the inner side. The plates of each pair 881-88 have their outer ends xed to the top flanges or webs of the hand pieces 88-88 respectively. The inner ends of said pair of plates 88--88 are ilxed to the corresponding end of the bar 81 by rivets or any other equivalent securing means. The

' pairs of plates 88-88 and 88-88 have upstanding stop 1ugs-18-18 at opposite sides of the slide v 84, which are adapted to engage with the front and rear walls of the frame vB to restrict lateral outward movement of the slide 88 with respect to said frame B. Each plate 88 of the slide 84 is provided with a set of cam faces 1|,-1|,'which are reversely inclined and are adapted to cooperate with a slide frame 12, as hereinafter pointed out.

The slide 12, as most clearly shown in Figs. 2, 14, and 17, is in the form of an arched plate or saddlemember having a central opening 18 and depending guide feet 14-14, and 'I4- 14 at'opposite ends thereof, which are in the' formo! folded lugs bent from said plate. Thefeet '14-14 and 'i4-14 rest on the inturnedftopanges of the slots or guide openings 8l-8l of' the frameB and serve to support and guide y'the saddle member 12 longitudinally of the frame B, The saddle mem-ber 1 2 has two' lingers 18-18 depending from the top Each cam finger 1l is in the form' of a plate having a depending lug 18 thereon iso/which one end of a,

tension spring 11 is anchored. The opposite end 'of the spring 11 is anchored toa depending lug --18 on the plate 88 at the end of. the slide 84. As will be seemthe cam fingers "faces 1I-1I and 1I--1I of the slide 64.

keeper member 80, which is in the form oi an l angularly disposed plate having a rounded lip 8| at the outer edge of \the lower portion thereof, which is adapted to `cooperate with a keeperengaging nger or latch member 82. A supporting bracket 88 in the form of a bent elongated bar is fixed to the inner side of the top wall of the frame B and extends through the opening 18 of the saddle slide member 12. The supporting bracket 83 has a depending offset portion 84 on which the latch linger 82 is pivotally supported` by means of a pivot screw or bolt 85. vThe bracket 88 is further provided with a horizontally disposed depending tongue 88 at' the right-hand end thereof, as viewed in Fig.4l3, this tongue being in a plane above the pivotal connection of the finger 82 with said bracket/and serving as' a support for a spring abutment plate 81, which is secured thereto. The shank portion of the finger 82, which is indicated by 88 and through which the pivot extends, is in the form `of a link member connecting the inner ends of the latch baarsI 82-82. As shown most clearly in Figs. 15 and 16, the engagingportion proper of the latch ilnger 82 extends at an angle to the shank portion '88 thereof and has a head 88 at the outer end thereof having a rounded end face and a nib 88 at4 one side thereof, which is adapted to hook over the. keeper 8|. At the left-hand end, as viewed in Figs. 15 and-16, the shank 88 of the nger 82 is pivotally connected to the inner end of the latch bar 82 by a pivot member 8|. Near the opposite end, the shank 88 of the finger 82 is pivotally connectedto the inner end ofthe other latch bar 82 by a pivot member 82. The two locking bars 82--82 are thus operatively connected by the shank 88 of the ilnger 82, said shank forming a connecting link. The finger v82 is normally yieldingly urged to the position shown in Fig. l5 by means of a.4 spring 88 reacting between the spring abutment plate 81 and the. shank 88 of the nger82. The spring 88 is supportedon an elongated pin 84, which has a head 88 at the left-hand end, as viewed in Figs. 15 and 16. The pin 84 extends through an lopening in a right angular bent section 88 of the abutment plate 81, thus supporting the pin for sliding movement. The head end of the pin 84 is anchored to a laterally4 projecting lug 81 on the shank 88 of the linger 82 by means of a hooked end porti-:1n on said pin engaged within an opening provided in said lug. The spring 88 is of the compression type and bears .at opposite ends respectively on the head 88 of the pin 88 vand the abutment projection 88 of the plate 81.-l To limit the swinging movement of the finger 82 and arrest the move-v ment of the locking or latch bars 82-82 in their disengaged position, as shown in Fig. 16. the bar` 82 at the right-hand end ofthe wringer, as viewed in said figure, is provided with an upstanding stop pin 88, which is ensued by the nib 88l of said finger. To facilitateengagement and vdisengagement of the latch or locking bars 82-82 with the connecting slide bars 48-48 of the spring mechanism, the outer ends of thebars 82--82 are beveled as shown.

When the frame B is locked to the main frame A, the parts are substantially in the positions shown in Figs. i, 2, 3a, 3b, and 15. At this time, the locking bars tare positively `held in latching vengagement with the connecting bars dS- of the spring mechanism by engagement of the latch iinger t2 with the keeper 80 of the sliding saddle member l2. As will be evident, the springs l'l--ll yieldingly maintain the saddle l2 in position with the keeper 80 interlocked with the nger t2. In the operation of the wringer, the bottom roll D is raised upwardly and forced against the top roll C, as hereinafter pointed out in detail. The pressure exerted'by the roll D against the roll C raises the latter, thereby raising the struts iidl and the connected parts of the :frame B, together with the connecting bars additional tension. To release the frame B to- I gether with its roll C in case of emergency or when it is found desirable to do so for Iany other reason, the operator pushes the slide 5ft to either side of the position shown in Fig. i5,

thereby camming the saddle member l2 to the` right, as viewed in Fig. 15, and displacing the` keeper 3d from the position shown in Fig. 15 to that shown in Fig. 16. Thel nib 90 of .the latch iinger Q2 will thus be freed to permit swinging movement of said linger. Due to the forces reacting between the beveled outer ends of the latch bars 52-62 and the inclined abutment faces on the connecting bars i3-d3, the locking bars 52--52 will be cammed inwardly until they are :treed from thebars i3-d3. D ue to the pull produced by the tension of the spring d2, the connecting bars i3-d3 will be pulled downwardly a sufficient distance to clear the ends of the bars -rem .the latch openings of. the bars i3-d3. As will be clear upor. reference to Fig. i6, which shows the slide @f3 displaced to one side, the locking bars 52-52 when forced inwardly free of the connecting bars i3-i3 will swing the finger d2 to a position where it engages the stoppin 9d. During this actionv the spring n Q3 will be compressed, thus tending to force the finger 82 to return to the normal position shown in Fig. 15. In this connection, it is pointed out that after thesaddle i2 has been actuated to release the keeper at from the nger t2 it will 4immediately be restored to the normal position shown in Fig. i5 due to the pull of. the springs il-il. In returning the ringer 82 to the normal position by the action of the spring 9.3,- the latch bars t2-E2 are forced yieldngly outwardly and ride up on the inclined upper ends of4 the bars i3- d as shown mostv clearly in Fig. 5, until the nger t2 is again engaged with the keeper 8E', as shown in Fig. i5. When the frame B has thus been unlockedl from the frame A, vthe operator may entirely withdraw the frame B from the i. 'frame A. In replacing the frame B on the frame A and again locking 'the parts together, the

operator forces the frame B downwardly Aonto the frame .A, thereby causing the outer ends of the locking bars @i2-62, which are held`against inward movement `by the latch linger 82, to. en-

force the bars apart. As the bars 62-62 'are rigid at this time, the bars dt--d will beE forced apart as the former ride down the inclined portions oi the latter. At the same time, the hook members 63--t3 will be engaged over the upper ends of said bars dS-t. When the frame B has been forced downwardly a suilicient distance to bring the engaging ends of the locking bars 52-62 in alignment with the locking openings of the connecting bars i-d, the bars 62-62 will snap into the locking openings due to the inherent resiliency of the connecting bars t3-d3. When the parts have thus been locked together, the hook members -t e'ectively hold the upper ends of the bars dS-ds against spreading. In this connection, it' is pointed out that the releasing slide. @d is also automatically operated to unlock the frame B from the main frame A when the wringer rolls become jammed due to an article being wound about the top roll. When an article is thus accidentally wound about the top roll, the same will engage the-bar 6l, thereby moving the slide laterally and,V through lateral movement of the slide td, releasing the latching mechanism, as hereinbefore described.

The bottom roll D, which is displaceable vertically to engage the roll C, has the opposite ends of the shaft 58, thereof rotatably journaled in bearing blocks @d S. The bearing blocks 99--99 are open at the top and are lined with bushings of semicircular cross section, in which the ends of the shaft 5d are directly supported. The pro- .'lecting end of the shaft 53 at the right-hand side of the wringer, as viewed in Fig. l, is provided with an extension of angular cross section to receive a' coupling element it@ in the form of a sleeve to connect the shaft to the driving gear of the wringer, as hereinafter pointed out. The bearing blocks @Q -@il are movably arranged below the struts sil-ii of the frame B. Each block 99 is guided between the inner side wall 23 of the corresponding post and the connecting bar t3 at the same side of the wringer. Each block 99 is provided with a pair oi oppositely extending lugs it-R55, which bear respectively on the inner sides of the front and rear Walls 26-25 of the frame A and guide the block for vertical movement between said walls. The bearings blocks Sd-@ are carried by movable supporting Elli, asviewed in Fig. l, serves to slide the`bar to effect raising movement of the bearing blocks SQ-QQ. Movement of the bar lili through theA bell crank lever Mit is yieldingly opposed by a pair of coil springs iddit arranged within the channel beam member 2i) at opposite sides of the leaf spring d2. The bar iti is provided with a dependingvspring abutment m5, which is in the form oa. horizontally disposed plate having downwardly-bent 'spring follower sections at the opposite ends thereof. The plate 'MI5 is secured W 1 to the bottom of the bar iti by means of secrews or any other well known securing elements extending through the plate and ferrules IBB-N6 interposed between the plate |05 and The top wall 23 ofthe channel beam member is provided with a-A suitable opening therethrough to accommodate the connectlng means between theplate Ill and the bar` III. This opening is of suflicient length to permit the lrequired longitudinal movement of the bar III to raise and lower the bearing blocks ll-. A, depending guide pin member Il. is also provided on the bar Ill and works in a guide slot II'I in the wall `22 of the channel beam member 2l. This pin member I, together with the' follower sections of the spring abutment' plate III and spring abutments. Ill-|01 fixed to the inner side of the top wall 23' of the channel beam member'2l. .The links Il2-I02, which support- .the bearing blocks "-29, are arranged in pairs at opposite .ends of the bar III. The members Il2--Il2 of each pair of links are arrangedl on opposite sides of the corresponding bearing block .I and have their upper .ends pivotally connected to said block by a transversely extending pivot pin. '111e lower ends of the members Il2-Il2 of each pair of links are connected to the bar III by a pivot member Ill extending through openings in said links. The links of each pair are .arranged at opposite sides of the bar III, and antifriction rollers III-Iii are preferably mounted lon the pivot I and are interposed between the bar III and the linksI02-Il2 of said pair. As shown most clearly in Figs. l, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, and 5, the opposite ends of the bar Ill are formed into eyes lli-III, through which the pivot 'members o! the two pairs of links Il2-Il2 and M2- |22 are engaged. The pivot member I at.

the right-hand end of the bar ill, as seen in 119,1. is connectedto the bell crank lever I by means of va pair of bent links III-III. 'As shown most clearly in Fig. '1, thebell crank lever III has two spaced arms II2--I I2 connected by a transverse section H3, which has a projecting rounded lip portion III adapted .to cooperate vwith the actuating cam member, as hereinafter pointed out. The bell crank lever |02 is pivotally supportedv on the channel beam member 2l and die the tubular sleeve 3l. The arms of the bell crank lever I" are provided at their upper ends with ear portions IIS-I I6, through which pivot pins IIB-IIB extend, which pins are fixed in suitable supports on thechannel beam member' 2l. thus pivotally supporting the bell ycrank lever The connecting links III-III have their right-hand ends, as viewed in Figs. l. 3b, 4b. and 5, pivotally connected to the lower extremities of the sidearms II2-I I2 of the bell crank lever I". As shown most clearly in Fig. '7, the opposite ends of the links III-I I'I which are connected to the pivot member I at the corre-l sponding end of the bar IIII are provided with notches or seats II1--I I1, which engage over the opposite ends of said pivot member and embrace thecorresponding pair of links I|l2-Il2. The pivot members ICB-III are preferably headed at opposite -ends so as to prevent separation of the parts. 'I'he heads of these pivotsare preferably in the form of flanged collars III- III moans notched portions sr ma i1- u1 'of :ne nnks l-IIl--III-engiige-over the collars lip-III of the corresponding pivot member III inwardly of the headsof said collars. 'the collars thus formingv bearing members for the ends of these links. As will be evident. when the bell crank lever |22 is swung in a clockwise directie as viewed in Figs. l, 3b, 4b, and 5. the connecting links I I l-l II will force the slide III to the left against the resist-y ance of the springs Ill-IM. During this movement, the bearing blocks Il-Il will-be raised due to the pairs of links II2-Il2 and II2II2 being brought toward a vertical position.- The bpttom roll D will thus be forcibly brought against the top roll C. In order to hold the bot- Itom roll D in its raised position, means is pro- IIT vided for preventing return movement of the bar v III through theaction of the springs IM-IM while the pressure is maintained between the rolls C and D. This means 'comprises cam proiections at opposite sides of the-wringer on the top wall 2l of the channel beam member 2l. The cam projection 4,at the left-hand side of the wringer, as viewed in Fig. l, is indicated by III and is in the form oi'l a raised section on the wall 2l immediately below the bearing block Il at that side of the wringer. The camrmeans at the right-hand side of th'e wringer, as viewed in Figs. l and 3, comprises'a pair of transversely aligned, spaced', raised cam sections I2I-I2I. 'Ihe rollers IIS- Ill and lli-Ill of the pivot members IBI-Ill of the bar III are adapted to vride over the cam sections III and I2I-I2l respectively when the bar III is moved to its extreme left-hand position. as viewed in Figs. 4a and 4b,

rolls C and D. When the pressure is relieved between the-rolls C and Dby unlocking the frame BJrom the main frame A, the springs Ill-IM will immediately return the bar III, the links Il2-III2 and Il2-Il2. and the bearing blocks 9.-. together withthe roll D, to the normal position shown in Figs. l, 3a. 3b. and 5. As will be evident, during this action the pressure transmitted through the links III-III will also return the bell crank lever I to its normal position.

The drive gearing for the 'bottom roll D includes 4a gear element` I2I -cooperating with a shiftable driving gear element |22 having bevel gear members llt-|22 at the upper andlower ends thereof. The shiftable gear element |22 is rotatably journaled in a bushing sleeve |24 dxed within the tubular sleeve Il. The gear element I22 has a splined connectionl I2I with the shaft ll hereinbefore referred to, which shaft 4I projects from the vertical standard of the associated washing machine. The gear element I2I has a hollow hub Vsection |28, which is journaled in a hushed bearing opening |21 of the bearing bracket 39. The hollow hub |26 of the gear element riveted on reduced end portions ofy the plvQt"\ |2I is inthe form of a socket and has a centrally members IICA-|08. As shown in Fig. 6, the:

disposed driving lug |22v projecting from the inbell crank lever |03 when the roll D is inthe lbeing slotted to accommodate said frange.

aeoaeaa ner wall of said socket; The driving lug E23 is of angular cross section a-nd engages within the coupling sleeve ili hereinbefore described. As will be evident, the coupling sleeve itt connects the gear element i2@ directly to the shaft 52 of the bottom roli D to rotate this roll. The coupling sleeve it preferably has a loose nt on the shaft 53 and the lug i261 of the gear element i2i so that a exible driving connection is formed and the roll D may be raised and lowered with respect to the gear element 52E without any binding of the parts.. The gear element -i2i has an annular `flangelike portion i2@ projecting through the walls ci the sleeves 38 and E25, said walls The annular flange |23 is provided with an annular series of gear teeth, which are adapted to mesh with the teeth of either of the bevel gear members i2'i-i23. The gear element @22 is shifted through movement of the handle or lever 35, which is controiled by the operator. A. shifting link i3@ operatively connecting the lever 35 with the gear element 22 is employed to communicate the motion from the lever to said gear element. .es shown most clearly in Figs. i, 3b, 4b, 5, l0, 1l, and i2, the lever 35 is secured to the outer end of a short sha-ft 93| journaled in the bearing casting 3d. To fthe inner end of the shaft |3i is fixed a cam plate member |32, which cooperates witn the bell crank lever |33 ,hereinbefore referred to. Swinging movement in reverse directions of the lever 35 and the cam plate E32 is limited by spaced stop lugs |53|53 projecting inwardly from the casting 3d and cooperating with flat abutment faces i60-|63 on said cam plate. 'Ihe link |31) has the lower extremity thereof curved, said curved extremity being pivoted to the cam member |32 by a pin E33. The upper end of the link carries a `shifting pin H36, which extends through said link and has the inner end thereof engaged in an annular groove in the gearelement I 22. The outer end of the pin |33 is guided for movement in a vertically extending guideway or groove |36 on the inner face of the casting 3d. As will be` evident, when the lever 35 is swung from the verticaly position shown in Fig. 10 to either side as shown in Figs. '11 and 12 respectively. the gear element |22 will be shifted vertically, thereby bringing either of the 'bevel gear members |23 thereof into operative engagement with the teeth of the gear element |2 I. The bottom roll D of the wringer will thus be rotated either in right-hand or left-hand direction as desired. In order to stop the operating handle lever 35 and the shiftable gear element |22 in the three different positions of adjustment, namely, the neutral disengaged position of the gear members |23|23, the engaged position of the top gear |23 with the gear element 2|, and the engaged position of the bottom bevel gear |23 with the gear element |2I, latch means in the form of a spring-pressed plunger |31 cooperating with three seats |38|38|38 in the cam member |32 is provided. 'I'he spring-pressed plunger |31, as shown in Figs. 1, 3b, 4b, and 5, is mounted in a socket provided in the casting 34.

In addition to effecting shifting of the gear element |22, operation of the lever or handle 35 also eects raising of the bottom roll D into operative engagement with the top roll C, as hereinbefore described. The cam member |32 has a substantially at bottom edge face, which has flat surface engagement with the lip ||4 of the lowered position' shown in Fig. 1. "I'hisfposition of the cam member |32 and. the bell crank lever i 33 is also shown in Fig. 10. When the handle lever 35 is swung in either direction from the vertical position shown. in Fig. l0, the cam member 32 will be rotated therewith, thereby actuating the .bell crank lever its and the connected parts to raise the bottom roll D of the wringer. Upon reference to Figs. ll and 12, it will be seen that 4when the handle lever 35 is swung to either side of the vertical position, the cam member 32 will depress the cooperating end of the Ibell crank lever @t3 to the same extent, thereby effecting the corresponding lifting movement of the bot tom roll D of the wxlnger. Y

The lever 35 is further automaticaly returned to the normal vertical or neutral position when the bottom roll D of the wringer is returned to its lowered position by the action of the springs Hifi- Bild on the slide ILthereby entirely disconnecting the 'gear element |22 from the gear clement |25v and stopping rotation of the bottom roll D of the wringer. When the pressure between the rolls C and D is removed by unlocking the frame B from the main frame A, as herein-= before described, the bottom roll D will imrnedi ately return to its lowered position through release of the slide l0 i which is returned by the ac tion of the springs Nid-|33, thus rocking the bell crank lever |03 in a contra-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4b, and swinging the same to the position shown in Fig. 5. During this swinging movement of the bell crank lever t3, the cam member |32 will be forced to return to the normal or neutral position shown in Fig. 10. Upon reference to Figs. 11 and 12, it will be seen that the upward swinging movement of the end of the bell crank lever |33 having the lip l It will act to restore the cam member |32 and the parts connected therewith to the normal position shown in Fig. 10, regardless of the direction .in which the handle 35 has been previously displaced in shifting the gear element |22.

To start my improved wringer, the control lever 35 is swung from the vertical position to one side thereof, thereby bringing one-of the bevel gear members |23 into engagement with'the gear element I2! and effecting rotation of the bottom roll D. A t the same time, the cam member |32 will rock the bell crank lever |03 and raise the roll D into engagement with the roll C, tensioning the leaf spring 42 and holding the rolls C and D in pressure engagement with each other. During the lifting operation of the roll D, the means for returning the operating handle 35 to normal position and restoring the shiftable gear element |22 to neutral position, comprising the bell crank lever |03, the connected slide bar IUI, and supporting links H12-|02 and IGZ-|02, is placed under tension by compressing the springs M14-|04. As hereinbefore explained, due to the pressure existing between the top and bottom rolls C and D, the means for returning the lever 35, just mentioned, is held under tension to be immediately released to restore the lever 35 and the shftable `gear member |22 to neutral posi- C and D. In case of emergency, the operator pushes on the slide 64, thereby releasing the means for locking the frame B to the main frame A, as shown in Fig. 5, thus removing the pressure from the rolls C and D and effecting release of the restoring means for the handle lever 35. To restore the wringer to operative condition, the

I frame Bis forcedvdown onto the main frame A tion when the pressure is removed from the rolls and the frames are locked together, as hereinbefore described.

In this connection, it is pointed out that when operation of the wringer has once been started by manipulation of the controlling lever 35, the rolls C and D will be held in pressure-exerting relation with respect to each other until the pressure between the rolls is removed by unlocking the frame B from the main frame A. Inasmuch as the pressure between the rolls C and D continues as long as the frame B is locked to the main frame A, the handle lever returning means, including the bar IOI and the bell crank lever |03, will remain locked in the position shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, thereby maintaining the cam-engaging portion of the lever |03 in its depressed position. The operating handle lever 35 is thus free to be rotated to neutral position to disconnect the driving gear means from the roll D and' stopoperation of the wringer Without actuating the bell crank lever |03. Further, the lever 35 may be again swung in either direction from neutral position to operatively connect the driving means with the roll D to again start the wringer without eilecting movement' of the bell crank lever i03.

It will thus be seen that the operating lever 35 is free to effect shifting of the gear element |22 without in any way disturbing the condition of the bottom roll supporting and lifting means as long as the pressure is maintained between the rolls C and D.

I have herein shown and described what I now consider the preferred manner of carrying out my invention, but the same is merely illustrative and I contemplate all changes and modiiications that come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

1. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of manually-operated means for projecting one of said rolls against the other roll and displacing the latter; yielding pressure-exerting means acting on said other roll `and ren'dered operative by displacement of said roll to place the rolls under yielding pressure; means for actuating said iirst named means to retract said projected roll, said actuating means being held inoperative by the pressure exerted between said rolls and becoming operative when said pressure is released and means for separating said rolls to lrelease said pressure and render said last named means operative.

2. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means operatively connected to one of said rolls for pressing the same against the other roll; releasable means for buttressing said other roll against the pressure exerted thereon by the yieldingly pressed roll;

,means and actuating the controlling mechanism to stop operation of the driving means.

3. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means operating on said rolls to press the same together; driving means for said wringer; a manually-operated control member movable in reverse directions for starting and stopping the operation of said driving means; means actuated by movement of said control member in starting direction for projecting one of said rolls against the other roll; manually-controlled means for releasing said pressure-exerting means from operative relation with respect to said rolls, thereby releasing said rolls from pressure; and means rendered operative through release of the pressure between said rolls for retracting said projecting means and actuating said manually-operated control member in reverse direction to stop operation of said driving means.

4. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means operating on said rolls to press the same together; driving means for said wringer; a manually-operated controlling member movable to starting and stopping positions for respectively starting and stopping the operation of the driving means; means actuated by movement of said controlling member to starting position for projecting one of said rolls against the other roll; means for releasing said pressure-exerting means from operative pressureexerting relation with respect to said rolls; and means held under tension by the pressure exerted between said rolls and released by removal of said pressure for retracting said projecting means and returning said controlling member to stopping position.

5. In a wringer; the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means operating on said rolls to force `the same together; driving means for said wringer; a manually-operated controlling member movable to starting and stopping positions for respectively starting and stopping operation of the ldriving means; means held under tension by the pressure between said rolls for returningsaid controlling member from starting to stopping position; means forming a part of the returning means and operated by movement of said controlling member to starting position for projecting one of said rolls against the other; and manually-controlled means for releasing said pressure-exerting means from operative relation With respect to said rolls, thereby relieving the pressure between said rolls and releasing said returning means to restore the controlling member to operative position.

6. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of means for yieldingly pressing one of said rolls toward the other roll; means movable in one direction for projecting said other` roll against the yieldingly pressed roll, and movable in a reverse direction to retract said projected roll; driving means for rotating one of said rolls; a manually-operated movable controlling member for starting and stopping rotation of said driving means; means xed to and movable with said manually-operated member and engaging said movable means when said manually-operated member is moved to starting position for actuating said movable means in a direction to project the cooperating roll; means for releasing said rolls from the pressure of said yielding means; and means rendered operative by removal of said pressure for actuating said movable meansinreverse direction to return the manually-operated member to stopping position.

7. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means for pressing one of from said yieldingly pressed roll; a manuallyoperated actuating member for operating said reciprocating means in one direction to project said other roll against the yieldingly pressed roll;

' means energized by operation of said reciprocating means in said direction for actuating the -reciprocating means in a reverse direction and returning said actuating member; stop means rendered eiiective by the pressure on said rolls for holding said reciprocating means against movement in said reverse directiomand means for releasing said yieldingly pressed roll from the pressure of said yielding means, thereby releasing said stop means and permitting operation of the reciprocating means by said energized means.

8. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means-for pressing one of said rolls ltoward the other roll; reciprocating means for moving said other roll toward and away from said yieldingly pressed roll; rotating driving means; shiftable means movable to one position for connecting one of said rolls to said rotating means and movable to another position` for disconnecting the same therefrom; a movable control member for actuating said shiftable means; means actuated by said control member in moving said shiftable means to said first named position to operate said reciprocating means in a direction to project said other roll against the yieldingly pressed roll; and means energized by operation of said reciprocating means in said last named direction for moving said reciprocating means in a reverse direction and moving the control member. to disengage said shiftable means.

9. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and a pair of cooperating rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means for, pressing one of said rolls toward the other roll; reciprocating means for moving said other roll toward and away from said yieldingly pressed roll; rotating driving means; shiftable means movable to one position for connecting'one of said rolls to said rotating means and movable to another position for disconnecting the same therefrom; a movable control member for actuating said shiftable means; means actuated by said control member in moving said shiftable means to said rst named position to operate said reciprocating'means in direction to project said other roll against the yieldinglypressed roll; means energized by operation of said reciprocating means in said last named direction for moving said reciprocating means in a reverse direction and moving the control member to disengage said shiftable means;

' stop means rendered eiective by the pressure on said rolls for holding said reciprocating means against movement in said reverse direction; and means for disconnecting said yieldingly pressedroll from the pressure-exerting means and releasing said stop means to permit operation lof said reciprocating means by said energzedmeans.

10. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and top and bottom rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means operatively connected to said top roll and opposing upward displacement of the same; manually-operated means-for raising said bottom roll to project the same against the top roll; means held against operation by the pressure between said rolls for returning said bottom roll to lowered position; and means for disconnectingthe pressure means from saidy the same against the top roll; meansheld against operation by the pressure between said rolls for returning said raising means and the bottom roll to lowered position; and means for disconnecting the pressure means from the top roll to release the pressure on said top roll and free the returning means to eect lowering of the bottom roll.

12. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and top and bottom rolls therein; of driving means for one of said rolls; rotating power-transmitting means; 4a movable controlling member for connecting the driving means to the power means and disconnecting the same therefrom; pressure-exerting means yieldingly opposing upward displacement of the top roll; means operated by movement of the controlling member in connecting the driving means tothe power means for raising said bottom roll; means held against operation by the pressure between said rolls for returning the raising means to lowered position and actuating the controlling member to disconnect the power means from the driving means; and means for disconnecting the pressure means from said top roll and freeing said' returning means'to lower said raising means and actuate said controlling member.

13. In a wringer, the combination with a frame and top and bottom rolls'therein; of driving means for one of said rolls; rotating power means; means for connecting said driving means to the power means and disconnecting the same therefrom; a movable controlling member for actuating said connecting means to start and stop rotation of the driving means; pressureexerting means connected to said top roll and` yieldingly opposing upward displacement of the same; means actuated by movement of said controlling member to starting position for raising said bottom roll to project the same against said top roll; and means automatically thrown into action by operation of said disconnecting means for lowering said bottom roll and moving the controlling memberto stopping position.

14. In a wringer, thecornbination with a frame and top and bottom rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means opposing upward displacement of the top roll; a support below said bottom roll; carrier means in which said bottom roll is rotatably supported; means for guiding said carrier-means for vertical movement; depending arms pivoted to the carrier means and buttressed against said support; and means for displacing said -arms'along said support to raise .and lower 'the bottom roll.

15.' In a wringer, the combination with a frame and top and bottom rolls therein; of yielding pressure-exerting means opposing upward displacement of the top roll; a support below said bottom roll; carrier means in which said bottom roll is rotatably mounted; means for guiding said lcarrier means for vertical movement; depending arms pivoted on said carrier means and but- 

